Director of Communications

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Communications, the Director of Communications plays a critical role in elevating ECS4Kids’ visibility and reputation through strategic media relations, storytelling, and content development. The Director leads efforts to secure earned media, build relationships with journalists and partners, and support the organization’s broader communications goals.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES :

Media Relations & Earned Media Strategy

Develop and execute proactive media strategies to secure high impact earned media placements.

Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and producers across local, regional and national outlets.

Pitch stories, coordinate interviews, and manage media inquiries.

Monitor media coverage and prepare regular reports on media impact and reach.

Storytelling & Content Development

Identify compelling stories within ECS4Kids’ programs, staff, and community to share with external audiences.

Collaborate with program teams to gather content and develop narratives that align with strategic communication goals.

Write and edit press releases, op-eds, blog posts, and other external communications.

Executive and Organizational Support

Support the VP of Strategic Communications in preparing talking points, media briefings, and public remarks for the President & CEO and other executives.

Assist in planning and executing public engagements and media opportunities for leadership.

Digital & Social Media Integration

Work with the AD of Digital Marketing & Community Relations to amplify earned media through social media and digital channels.

Support the development of multimedia content that complements media outreach efforts.

Internal Communications & Department Collaboration

Work cross-departmentally to support communications planning, strategic initiatives, crisis response, and marketing needs.

Support the VP of Strategic Communications in internal communications activities to ensure consistency in brand voice and messaging guidelines.

Assist in managing crisis communications or high-profile situations.

Additional Responsibilities

Assist with multimedia production both in-house and with external partners.

Attend or ensure representation at key community events.

Uphold ECS4Kids’ guiding principles and core values.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)

Requirements

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP :

This position reports to the VP of Strategic Communications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing or related field with four (4) or more years of directly related professional experience required. (A comparable amount of training, education, or experience can be substituted for minimum qualifications.)

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES :

Director-level presentation and negotiation skills.

Proven success in project managing large-scale communication initiatives.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to read, interpret, and respond to complex documents, inquiries, and complaints.

Skilled in creating routine reports, formal correspondence, and persuasive presentations on complex topics for varied audiences.

Excellent verbal, written, and proofreading skills, with a confident writing style and professional telephone presence.

Demonstrated judgment and critical thinking in selecting methods, tools, and procedures to accomplish tasks independently and collaboratively.

Self-motivated and adaptable to team-based environments across internal and external settings.

Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.

Professional representation of ECS4Kids in person, on the phone, and through written communication.

Experience in early childhood marketing and communications is preferred.

Proficient in developing a variety of communications and juggling diverse projects effectively.

Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.).

Strategic prioritization of objectives and partnership with leadership to meet deadlines.

Commitment to handling confidential information with discretion and sensitivity.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATIONS :

Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage

Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy)

Complete 15 hours of in-service / professional development training hours each fiscal yea(July-June)

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS :

Works in an office environment

Travel to multiple sites required

Overnight and weekend hours as needed to fulfill the requirements of the position

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS :

Typical Physical & Mental Demands : Requires prolonged sitting with some bending, stooping and stretching, and eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator and other office equipment.

Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with clients and staff.

(Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)

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